POWDERSVILLE — Anderson One teachers and administrators celebrated the first week back for teachers at the annual kick off meeting on Aug. 18. Teachers were welcomed back with the Powdersville High School pep band and cheerleaders.

The opening was led by Chad Mustin, teacher at Powdersville Middle School; Dr. Chris Ferguson, principal at Powdersville High; student body president, Rebecca Fleetwood, Powdersville High; Carrie Birchfield, student body president at Powdersville Middle; Cooper Cook, Powdersville Elementary and Jackson Gannon, Will Gannon, Sadie Parks, Isabella Smith and Cash Campbell, students at Concrete Primary.

Gentry Upton, grandson of Mike and Nancy Upton, Anderson County Board and Anderson School District One School Board respectively, sang the National Anthem.

Superintendent David Havird introduced the new administrators and introduced the first Anderson One Induction Teacher of the Year. Michael Miller was selected from a group of 34 new teachers that taught for the first time during the 2016-2017 school year. Miller teaches sixth grade math at Wren Middle School.

Assistant Superintendent Robbie Binnicker welcomed 86 new teachers to the district and announced the Support Person of the year, Lyn Ridlehoover, administrative assistant at Wren High.

“What a blessing it is to work in Anderson School District One. Anderson One provides support and provides the necessary resources for us to be productive in our jobs,” Ridlehoover said.

Assistant Superintendent Jane Harrison discussed new instructional initiatives and introduced the District Teachers of the year.

Leslie Martin, U.S. History teacher from Powdersville High School, was announced as the 2017-18 Anderson One District Teacher of the Year.

“I am honored to be named Anderson School District One’s Teacher of the Year. Anderson One truly has a “tradition of excellence” and all I can strive for is to continue that tradition. I am proud to represent her many devoted educators,” Martin said.

David Havird, superintendent of Anderson One, said Martin was an outstanding teacher and well deserving of the award.

“She is the epitome of a teacher that is about continuous growth and professional development,” he said. “She has made such a positive impact on students and their achievement at Powdersville High.”

She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from USC and most recently received a MA in Teaching American History and Government from Ashland University. She was the recipient of the James Madison Fellowship in 2015.

Martin’s principal, Dr. Chris Ferguson, said Martin embodies all of the qualities of an excellent teacher: knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication.

“Her most important quality, however, is her ability to relate to and inspire her students,” Ferguson said. “We are very proud of Ms. Martin and we are honored to have her represent both Powdersville High School and Anderson School District One.”

They also announced two finalists — Pam White from Cedar Grove Elementary and Travis Guthrie from Palmetto Middle. All teachers of the year were honored at a luncheon following the ceremony.

School began August 15 for over 1,000 faculty and staff in Anderson One. Over 86 new teachers have been hired for the 17-18 school year due to retirements, transfers and growth. Four schools have new principals this year. August 22 was the first student day with 10016, a record first day for Anderson One.

Teachers of the Year for Anderson District One were, front row from the left, Candice Garrison, Victoria Schwartz, Samantha Barnhill, Leslie Martin, Emily Pataky, Delaney Sutton and Rachel Foster. Back row, from the left, are Erin Clarke, Katie King, Chris Mitchell, Travis Guthrie, Courtney Boyd, Alyssa Ellenburg and Pam White.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_andersonteachersofyear01.jpgTeachers of the Year for Anderson District One were, front row from the left, Candice Garrison, Victoria Schwartz, Samantha Barnhill, Leslie Martin, Emily Pataky, Delaney Sutton and Rachel Foster. Back row, from the left, are Erin Clarke, Katie King, Chris Mitchell, Travis Guthrie, Courtney Boyd, Alyssa Ellenburg and Pam White. Courtesy photos

Leslie Martin was named Teacher of the Year for Anderson School District One.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_andersonteachersofyearMARTIN.jpgLeslie Martin was named Teacher of the Year for Anderson School District One. Courtesy photos

Michael Miller was named the Induction Teacher of the Year for Anderson District One. He was selected from a group of 34 new teachers that taught for the first time during the 2016-2017 school year. Miller teaches sixth grade math at Wren Middle School.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_andersonteachersofyearMichaelMiller.jpgMichael Miller was named the Induction Teacher of the Year for Anderson District One. He was selected from a group of 34 new teachers that taught for the first time during the 2016-2017 school year. Miller teaches sixth grade math at Wren Middle School. Courtesy photos

Lyn Ridlehoover, administrative assistant at Wren High, was named Support Staff of the Year for Anderson District One.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_andersonteachersofyearWHSRidlehoover.jpgLyn Ridlehoover, administrative assistant at Wren High, was named Support Staff of the Year for Anderson District One. Courtesy photos

Staff Report